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Like it or not, it sure seems like the world is headed toward more and more use of artificial intelligence.
We saw the rise of ChatGPT and what it could mean for the future of the writing industry.
But we haven’t exactly seen how it can be implement in the sports world.
Sure, there are robot umps that are being used as a supplementary way to call balls and strikes in the minor leagues. But what about football? Specifically, what about college football?
That’s exactly what LSU coach Brian Kelly discussed recently at SEC Media Days.
Kelly was asked how he could implement the new technology to help run his program. And his answer was actually extremely thoughtful.
Here was Brian Kelly's answer on AI and the potential to use it in recruiting: pic.twitter.com/boVDt3BXgu
— Wilson Alexander (@whalexander_) July 17, 2023
“I think it has some intriguing opportunities in recruiting,” Kelly said. “We spend a lot of time on profiles, recruiting profiles and the intangibles or the traits that we’re looking for for particular players.
“I think AI has an opportunity, maybe, to create that kind of model for us relative to who is that kind of player out there all over the country, without making a mistake. So I think that there’s going to be room for it, and I think it’s exciting and something that we’re about to venture into.”
Of course, pro teams have entire analytics departments dedicated to that type of approach. But it’s harder for college teams to apply it to recruiting. Reported testing numbers and statistics are often unreliable. And even measurable tend to get exaggerated before kids get on campus.
But if any coach can find a way to continue successfully recruiting without so many man hours, they’d gladly jump on it.
As for Kelly and LSU, they’re doing all right without it. They signed the seventh-ranked recruiting class in the country in 2023 according to 247Sports.